Botulinum toxin type A improves blood flow in vascular thoracic outlet syndrome.
A 28-yr-old man, diagnosed with vascular thoracic outlet syndrome, had his right anterior scalene muscle injected with botulinum toxin type A under ultrasound guidance. Subclavian artery flow rates were measured with Doppler ultrasound before and 3 wks after the injection. At 3 wks, symptoms had improved. The reduction in subclavian artery flow rate associated with the arm abducted to the side with 90-degree external rotation decreased from 132.8 to 87.7 cm/sec preinjection compared with a smaller decrease postinjection from 132.8 to 119.1 cm/sec. An improved subclavian artery flow was seen after scalene muscle chemodenervation for vascular thoracic outlet syndrome. This suggests its potential as a diagnostic test, treatment option, and predictor for surgical intervention.
Danielson
Kirk
K
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Odderson
Ib R
IR
D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000503:physiopathology; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A